Device for treating hair

Abstract

A device (2) for treating hair, in particular for curly hair, comprising:-two hair treatment jaws (3, 4) movable relative to each other between a spaced-apart configuration for inserting the hair to be treated between said jaws (3, 4) and a moved-together configuration for treating the hair,-an outer hair treatment member, the invention relates to a hair treatment device (1) comprising:-a device (2) having two jaws (3, 4),-an outer hair treatment member having at least one outer surface (13) for heating the hair, said outer hair treatment member extending on one of the two jaws (3, 4) towards the outside of the two jaws (3, 4),-a thermal protective cover (70) removably mounted by clamping-fastening on the device (2) to at least partially cover the outer heating surface (13), the cover (70) has a recess (71) configured to form a preferential deformation area (72) of the cover (70) when the cover is fitted on the device (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for treating hair and more particularly, but not exclusively, to devices for shaping hair, in particular for curling and / or straightening hair.

[0002] The invention more particularly relates to a hair curling device having two clamps movable relative to each other and capable of adopting a spaced-apart configuration for introducing a strand of hair between said clamps and a configuration moved together for processing this strand of hair. Background Art

[0003] Many devices of this type have been proposed. These devices usually have a heating plate on their outer surface around which the hair strands are wrapped to curl the hair strands.

[0004] Some devices also have internal heating plates between which the hair strands may be sandwiched when curling and / or straightening the hair.

[0005] In some cases, hair is treated without the use of an external heating plate, which may become very hot during treatment, and the user must then avoid contact with these hot surfaces to avoid burning the skin or scalp.

[0006] US20060037625 discloses the use of adhesives to apply thermal protective materials to hot surfaces.

[0007] KR20-0246302, KR200398545, KR10-0712248, CN203676383 and CN110338540 describe the possibility of removably mounting a heat protection cover on the heating surface to protect the user.

[0008] There is a need for improved protective covers for hair management devices, particularly to facilitate installation and removal of such covers.

[0009] There is therefore a need for further improvements in devices for treating hair, in particular in order to benefit from a safe, versatile, efficient device that is simple and comfortable to use, reliable in operation and has a cost that is compatible with a widely distributed device.

[0010] There is also a need for a hair curling device that can also be effectively used as a hair straightener. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the invention meets all or some of these needs by a device for treating hair, in particular for shaping hair, in particular for curling hair, having:

[0012] - two hair treatment tongs movable relative to each other between a spaced-apart configuration for inserting hair to be treated between the tongs and a configuration moved together for treating the hair,

[0013] an external treatment member having an outer surface for heating the hair, said external treatment member extending on at least one of the two clamps towards the outside of the two clamps,

[0014] a heat protection cover removably mounted by clip-fastening on the device to at least partially cover the external heating surface, the cover having a recess configured to form a preferential deformation zone of the cover when it is assembled on the device.

[0015] The protective cover makes it possible to prevent access to the hot surface of the external heating surface when the external heating surface is not used for treatment, for example when the device is used for straightening, while making it possible to remove this protection when the external heating surface is used, in particular for curling or waving the hair.

[0016] In use, the cover prevents the user's head, ears, cheeks, neck, or fingers from accidentally contacting the external heating surface without hindering or complicating or detracting from the use of the device.

[0017] This results in an effective device which can be used to straighten or curl hair while protecting the user from burns depending on the type of use. It is therefore safer to use than prior art products.

[0018] Furthermore, the recess in the cover makes mounting / removal of the cover on / from the device easier and more reliable, while being less expensive to produce.

[0019] The device can have two arms, with the distal portion of each arm forming one of the two clamps; the two arms are preferably hinged together at the proximal end opposite the clamps, and each arm can have a gripping area adjacent to the hinge from which the clamps extend and which the user can press to move the clamps between a spaced-apart configuration and a moved-together configuration.

[0020] Preferably, each clamp has an elongate shape and extends along a longitudinal axis, which is preferably a rectilinear axis.

[0021] Thus, in the moved-together configuration of the jaws, the device may have an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis, preferably a linear axis.

[0022] External Processing Components

[0023] The device may have two external treatment members, each extending on one of the clamps, and each having at least one external hair heating surface extending on the respective clamp towards the outside of the device, preferably on opposite sides of the device in the configuration of the clamps moved together, the device having two heat protection covers, which are removably mounted on the device and each of which is arranged on one of the two external heating surfaces so as to at least partially cover it. As mentioned above, each cover may have a recess configured to form a preferential deformation area of ​​the cover when the cover is assembled on the device.

[0024] Preferably, when there is only one external treatment member with an external heating surface, this member extends on a clamp with a lateral recess.

[0025] The or each external treatment member may have an external plate extending over the outer surface of the respective clamp and having a shape substantially complementary to the latter. The external plate has an outer surface for contacting the hair, which at least partially defines an outer heating surface of the external treatment member.

[0026] The or each outer plate may be made of a material that conducts heat well, the temperature of the outer heating surface being for example greater than 50°C, preferably between 55°C and 150°C, for example about 90°C when the device is in use.

[0027] The or each outer surface may be made of metal or ceramic, preferably stainless steel, for example 304 stainless steel according to JIS G4305 standard.

[0028] The or each external panel may have a power of at least 20 W.m -1 .K -1 This thermal conductivity allows the external heating surface to heat up quickly and effectively apply heat to the hair.

[0029] The or each external heating surface may be elongate along the longitudinal axis of the clamp supporting it.

[0030] The outer heating surface and the inner heating surface can have at least partially the same space requirement in the middle plane of the device (which extends between the two clamps in the configuration of the clamps moved together). This makes it possible, if necessary, for example during a curling operation, to use both the inner surface and the outer surface to treat the same hair strand.

[0031] Preferably, the two external heating surfaces have substantially the same length along their respective jaws.

[0032] Preferably, the or each outer heating surface has an outwardly convex shape, in particular a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0033] The or each external plate may have a fastening element configured to cooperate with a complementary element of the respective clamp; the or each external plate may have an inwardly curved longitudinal edge configured to be fastened to the external body of the clamp, in particular by fitting in a corresponding longitudinal groove extending on the external body of the clamp along the longitudinal axis of the clamp. This fastening of the external plate by the curved edge makes it possible to prevent the protruding edge corners of the external plate from coming into contact with the hair wrapped around the clamp.

[0034] Preferably, the external treatment member extends over only a portion of the outer surface of the clamp, in particular over a portion of the outer surface of the clamp at least partially oriented towards the opposite side of the internal heating surface of the clamp.

[0035] Preferably, the or each outer panel is separate and distinct from the or each inner panel.

[0036] The inner heating surface and the outer heating surface supported by the same clamp may be heated by heat conduction from the same heat source extending in the clamp.

[0037] In one variation, the outer heating surface and the inner heating surface supported by the same clamp may be heated by separate heat sources.

[0038] One of the tongs, in particular each tong, may have a distal portion which is free of outer plates and / or inner plates for heating the hair, in particular having a sufficient length for a user to grip. The distal portion may allow a user to grip the device at its distal portion without burning themselves, as shown below, which is particularly useful when the device has a member (such as a comb) that exerts a pulling force on the hair (because a greater force may be required to move the device along the hair).

[0039] Said distal portion without outer and / or inner plates for heating the hair may extend along the longitudinal axis of the device for a length between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, advantageously between 25 mm and 30 mm.

[0040] The distal portion not having an outer plate and / or an inner plate for heating the hair may have one or more reliefs which allow a finger to be held on the distal portion while limiting the risk of contact with the external heating surface.

[0041] The or each outer treatment member may have a length of between 50 and 150 mm, preferably between 80 and 100 mm, advantageously about 88 mm.

[0042] The external processing member, in particular the entire outer surface of the clamp on which the external processing member extends, can be free of protruding comb teeth, in particular free of any protruding protrusions, and is preferably smooth over a length greater than or equal to 50% of its length, better over a length greater than or equal to 80% of its length, and better over its entire length.

[0043] The outer processing member may be integral.

[0044] At the level of the external treatment member, the width of the clamp carrying the external treatment member may be smaller than the width of the other clamp at the same level.

[0045] The outer treatment member may extend laterally across the entire width of the clamp.

[0046] The side edge of the clamp over which the external treatment member extends may extend strictly laterally between the side edge of the other clamp over the entire length of the external treatment member, in particular the side edge of the other clamp may face each hollow area of ​​the clamp over which the external treatment member extends.

[0047] External guide part

[0048] At least one of the tongs, preferably each of the two tongs, may have an external hair guide portion. The or each external guide portion may be delimited laterally at the proximal and / or distal portion of the tongs, preferably at the proximal and distal portion of the tongs by a stop surface, such as a shoulder. The or each external heating surface may extend at least partially, preferably completely, in the external hair guide portion of the respective tongs. Preferably, the length of the external guide portion along the longitudinal axis of the tongs is substantially equal to the length of the respective external heating surface along the longitudinal axis of the tongs. Thus, the or each external hair guide portion may form a visual reference for the user indicating the external treatment area, thereby facilitating the correct positioning of the hair.

[0049] At least one stop surface may comprise a flat portion, in particular in a plane transverse to the clamp, at the level of said stop surface, in particular flat over a width at least equal to 50%, preferably 80%, better still 100% of the clamp width.

[0050] The or each guide portion may be formed at least partially, preferably completely, by a lateral recess on one side of one of the clamps, the other side of the clamp being free of a lateral recess.

[0051] The or each guide portion may extend over the outer surface of the respective clamp, in particular over the entire outer surface of the clamp in cross section. The or each stop surface may extend transversely to the outer surface of the clamp, in particular in a plane forming a non-zero angle (in particular an angle between 70° and 110°) with the longitudinal axis of the clamp, in particular in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the clamp. The or each stop surface may extend around the entire circumference of the clamp, in particular over the entire outer surface in cross section in the plane of extension of the clamp.

[0052] Lateral concave

[0053] One of the tongs has a lateral recess along at least a portion of the tong, the lateral recess facing at least a portion of the other tong and being defined at least in the proximal and / or distal portion of the tongs by a guide surface providing an obstacle to accommodate the hair to be treated in the lateral recess.

[0054] The lateral recesses can be defined in both the proximal part and the distal part by guide surfaces which provide an obstacle to contain the hair to be treated inside the lateral recesses. The fact that the lateral recesses are defined by guide surfaces on both sides allows the hair to be well guided and optimally held in the recesses while limiting the risk of hair escaping from the recesses.

[0055] The outer surface of the clamp having the lateral recess may not have a protruding longitudinal edge corner extending outwardly from the clamp. Therefore, the outer surface of the clamp at the recess may be curved and continuous without a slope discontinuity with the rest of the clamp surface.

[0056] The or each guide surface may have a variable height. The maximum height of the guide surface may be between 0.5 mm and 1 cm, better between 1 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the height is greatest in its lateral part, for example equal to 5 mm. In other words, the lateral recess forms a recess with a maximum depth of 5 mm.

[0057] Preferably, the clamp with lateral recesses has a width measured at the lateral recesses parallel to a mid-plane of the device (which mid-plane is defined by the internal processing surface in the configuration in which the clamps are moved together) that is less than or equal to the width of the other clamp, in particular having a width between 50% and 95% of the width of the other clamp, better still between 70% and 90%.

[0058] The lateral recess can extend in a guide portion of the respective clamp, the guide surface being formed by a stop surface of the guide portion.

[0059] Thus, the stop surface of the clamp with lateral recesses may have a variable height, in particular a greater height at the lateral recesses.The height variation of the stop surface may be substantially continuous.

[0060] Preferably, away from the recess, the height of the stop surface is substantially constant.In a variant, the stop surface may have a variable height around the or each clamp, even away from the lateral recess.

[0061] Away from the recess, the maximum height of the stop surface may be between 0.2 mm and 4 mm, better still between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0062] The or each stop surface delimiting the outer hair guiding portion may be at least partially formed by a rib extending on the outer surface.Preferably, the rib is thicker at a position opposite the inner heating surface than at a lateral position relative to the inner heating surface.

[0063] The or each outer guide portion may be set back relative to a reference level of the clamp supporting it, the reference level of the clamp being the level of the clamp away from the outer guide portion and where appropriate the ribs. Thus, the guide portion is a recessed portion of the clamp.

[0064] Removable cover

[0065] The or each cover may cover the entire respective external heating surface.

[0066] The or each cover may have a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the shape of the corresponding external heating surface, in particular a curved shape.

[0067] The cover may extend along a longitudinal axis, preferably intended to correspond to the longitudinal axis of the arm of the styling device when the cover is mounted on the styling device, the recess having an elongated shape along a direction forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the cover, in particular at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the cover. This makes it possible to impart a certain elasticity of deformation to the cover along the longitudinal axis (through elastic deformation of the material from which the cover is made) in order to make the assembly and / or removal operations of the cover easier.

[0068] The recess may be formed by a region of reduced thickness or, preferably, may be a through-recess, that is to say a recess formed through the thickness of the cover.

[0069] The recess may be symmetrical with respect to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cover. Optionally, the recess has one or more waves in the surface of the cover.

[0070] The recess may have a substantially constant width along its entire length.

[0071] The width of the recess may be between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, for example equal to 1 mm.

[0072] The recess can extend over at least 50%, better still at least 70%, of the expanded width of the cover.

[0073] The term "unfolded" refers to when the cover is virtually rolled out to extend along a plane.

[0074] The recess may extend on the cap at a distance from one of the proximal or distal ends of the cap that is less than or equal to 25% of the cap length. For example, the recess is located at a distance between 1 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example 3 mm, from one of the proximal or distal ends of the cap. This makes it possible to limit the size of the elastic deformation zone.

[0075] Preferably, the cover has a gripping protrusion extending from an outer surface of the cover when the cover is mounted on the clamp. The gripping protrusion may extend at one of the proximal or distal ends of the cover. Alternatively, the gripping protrusion extends at a distance from one of the proximal or distal ends of the cover that is less than or equal to 25% of the length of the cover.

[0076] Preferably, the gripping protrusion and the recess extend adjacent to opposite longitudinal ends of the cover, respectively.

[0077] The cover can be configured to be mounted on the tongs so that the gripping projection is located close to the longitudinal end of the cover extending on the proximal side of the tongs. In other words, the gripping projection is close to the gripping area of ​​the styling device, or is located on the hinge side of the gripping area. This allows the user to remove the cover with a single action with the hand (particularly the thumb) holding the handle of the device, thereby making it easier to operate the cover.

[0078] The cover and the clamp may have complementary reliefs for fastening the cover to the clamp; the cover may in particular have a first (preferably protruding) relief extending at its two longitudinal ends, arranged to cooperate with a second (complementary, preferably concave) relief on the rest of the device to ensure that the cover is fastened to the rest of the device. The thickness of this first relief may be equal to or less than the thickness of the longitudinal ends of the cover.

[0079] The second reliefs may have the same size.

[0080] In a variant, the second relief has a different size, for example to ensure foolproofing.

[0081] The first relief may extend from the respective longitudinal end of the cover in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cover.

[0082] The second relief may extend from or in the stop surface of the outer guide portion.

[0083] Preferably, the cover is symmetrical about a longitudinal mid-plane.

[0084] The cover has a (preferably variable) thickness, which may be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.Preferably, the cross section of the cover is thicker in the center than at its longitudinal edges.

[0085] The cover is preferably made of a material that can withstand temperatures of at least 60°C, better still at least 100°C.

[0086] The cover can be made of reinforced or unreinforced plastic, in particular of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyamide (PA) with or without glass fibers.

[0087] The cover may have reinforcing ribs.

[0088] The cover may have internal reinforcing ribs. These ribs make it possible to increase the thermal insulation by providing an air layer between the outer surface and the cover.

[0089] Preferably, the cover is configured to be mounted on the device by cooperating a first relief extending at one longitudinal end of the cover, in particular the end opposite the gripping protrusion, with a second relief, and by pivoting the cover on the rest of the device about a pivot axis, in particular a pivot axis transverse to the mid-plane of the cover, so that the first relief extending at the other longitudinal end of the cover is snap-fastened in a complementary second relief of the rest of the device. During assembly, the preferential deformation zone formed by the recess allows a localized and controlled deformation of the cover. This deformation occurs in particular when the user applies pressure from the gripping protrusion. Due to this movement, during pivoting, the first relief on the gripping protrusion side faces the corresponding second relief.

[0090] Once the pivoting is complete, when the cover contacts the outer surface, the longitudinal pressure is released, allowing the cover to return to its initial shape. The first relief on the side of the gripping projection then cooperates with the corresponding second relief.

[0091] To remove the cover, the reverse operation is performed.

[0092] Thus, by means of this localized, elastic and controlled deformation (that is to say, provided by the designer of the cover), a functional play is created along the longitudinal axis when the user fits the cover on the device or removes it from the device, thereby greatly facilitating the operations of fitting and removing the cover. Furthermore, this deformation makes it possible to compensate and take into account the manufacturing tolerances of the different parts, thus ensuring the correct fitting and removal of all cover / device pairs.

[0093] Furthermore, by simplifying these operations, users are further encouraged to use the thermal protection cover when they are not using the external treatment surface, as they know that the fitting and removal operations will be simple and intuitive. Thus, the risk of burns to the cheeks, hands, ears, neck or scalp, especially during straightening operations (or any other operation that does not require the use of the external surface(s)), is reduced.

[0094] Internal processing components

[0095] The device may comprise at least one internal treatment member having an inner surface for heating the hair to be treated, the internal treatment member extending over one of the two clamps towards the other of the clamps in the configuration in which the two clamps are moved together, and being configured to contact the hair extending between the two clamps in the configuration in which the two clamps are moved together.

[0096] The device may have an inner relative support surface, which faces the inner heating surface in the configuration of the tongs moved together, for clamping the hair to be treated together with the inner heating surface in the configuration of the tongs moved together. The inner relative support surface may have a shape complementary to the inner heating surface.

[0097] Preferably, the inner heating surface and the counter-support surface have substantially the same length and / or the same width.

[0098] The inner relative supporting surface may also be an inner heating surface of an inner treatment member, in which case the device has two inner treatment members, each extending over one clamp and each having at least one inner heating surface, which face each other and are configured to clamp hair between them in the configuration in which the clamps are moved together.

[0099] Preferably, the inner heating surface and the counter-supporting surface have an elongated shape along the clamp supporting them, in particular along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the clamp.

[0100] Preferably, the inner heating surface and the opposing support surface present substantially planar treatment surfaces for contact with the hair.

[0101] In a variant, the inner heating surface and the counter-supporting surface are not planar but are in particular curved, concave or wavy.

[0102] The internal heating surface can have a surface relief, in particular a protruding relief, such as a tooth. In this case, the relative bearing surface can be planar or can also have a surface relief, in particular a protruding relief extending between the protruding reliefs on the internal heating surface in the configuration of the clamps that move together.

[0103] Preferably, the internal heating surface has a hair contacting treatment surface which is substantially rectangular in shape.

[0104] The or each internal treatment member may have an internal plate extending between the jaws, the internal plate having a contact surface for contact with the hair, the contact surface for contact with the hair forming the internal heating surface.

[0105] The one or more internal plates may be made of a good thermally conductive material, the temperature of the one or more internal heating surfaces in use being, for example, greater than 50° C., preferably between 90° C. and 230° C., advantageously between 180° C. and 210° C. The or each internal plate may be made of metal, preferably aluminum, in particular hard anodized metal.

[0106] The or each internal panel may have a power of at least 20 W.m -1 .K -1 Such thermal conductivity allows rapid heating of the or each internal heating surface and efficient transfer of heat to the hair extending between the internal heating surface and the opposing support surface.

[0107] One or more internal treatment components may be mounted on the respective clamp by being inserted into a housing in the clamp, the housing opening towards the other clamp.

[0108] The or each internal treatment member may have a support bearing an internal plate, the support being mounted in a housing in the respective clamp.

[0109] The internal treatment member or at least one internal treatment member, in particular the support or at least one support, can be moved in translation within the housing along an axis perpendicular to the mid-plane of the device (which mid-plane extends between the two jaws in their configuration of being moved together) and / or by tilting within the housing. The maximum height of the tilting and / or translation from the rest position of the or each treatment member may be between 0.5 mm and 5 mm.

[0110] The term "inclined" is understood to mean that the internal treatment member or at least one internal treatment member, in particular the support or at least one support, can perform a rotational movement about at least one axis, the movement of the internal treatment member or each internal treatment member being a more complex movement with rotational parts about multiple axes, in particular about or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the internal treatment member or each internal treatment member and / or about or parallel to the transverse axis of the housing. In a manner known per se, the internal treatment member or at least one internal treatment member can, for example, be mounted on a ball joint. The inclination of the internal treatment member or at least one internal treatment member makes it possible to apply a more uniform pressure along the entire length of the internal heating surface, taking into account the closing angle of the clamp according to the thickness of the hair. This allows the heat and pressure to be applied evenly to the hair.

[0111] The internal treatment member or at least one internal treatment member, in particular the support or at least one support member, may be mounted in the housing in contact with a support tool configured to allow the corresponding internal treatment member to move in the housing. The support tool may be as described in FR3011449.

[0112] The support means may be rigid; in a variant, the support means are elastically deformable. In another variant, the support means has an area of ​​rigid contact and an area of ​​contact with one or more elastic return members, which are designed, for example, to return the corresponding treatment member to a predetermined rest position when the applicator member is free of mechanical load. The one or more elastic return members may be a helical spring or a leaf spring.

[0113] Preferably, the support means allows the internal treatment member to tilt within the housing and has a protruding relief at the bottom of the housing and / or the corresponding treatment member, in particular at the bottom of the corresponding support. The protruding relief may be hemispherical, or in the shape of a substantially conical tooth, or in the form of a semi-cylinder oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the internal treatment member.

[0114] In a variant or in addition to the protruding relief, the support tool has at least one spring, in particular a leaf spring, which is arranged in the housing, for example fastened to the bottom of the housing or to the internal treatment member, in particular to the support. The support tool can have at least two springs, in particular two helical springs, which are arranged in the housing, fastened to the bottom of the housing or to the internal treatment member, in particular to the support, and are arranged in particular close to the axial end of the respective internal treatment member. Then, due to the elastically deformable nature of the springs, the internal treatment member can be tilted.

[0115] The internal treatment member or at least one internal treatment member is capable of moving along an axis perpendicular to the middle plane of the device (which middle plane extends between the clamps in the configuration in which the clamps are moved together), moving from a high position along a maximum depression stroke defined by the relief of the corresponding internal treatment member, contacting the bottom of the shell, and / or moving through cooperation between ribs and lateral grooves of the shell and the internal treatment member, in particular the support, the groove being wider than the corresponding rib so that the rib can translate in the groove along the above-mentioned axis between two positions.

[0116] The inner treatment member may extend strictly laterally between two side edges of the outer treatment member.

[0117] The inner treatment member may extend strictly laterally between two side edges of the outer surface of the clamp on which the inner treatment member extends.

[0118] Internal processing components rear structure

[0119] The inner treatment member or at least one inner treatment member, in particular the inner plate or at least one inner plate, preferably each inner plate, has a first side edge between the clamps and a second side edge opposite the first side edge.

[0120] The means may comprise a recess in the clamp between a first side edge or a second side edge (preferably the first side edge) of the internal treatment member and an outer surface of the clamp carrying and adjacent the respective internal treatment member.

[0121] The recess may be configured such that when the hair is mechanically tensioned between the side edge and the outer surface of the clamp, at least a portion of the hair is not in contact with the device at the level of the recess.

[0122] The recess may be in the form of a groove extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the respective jaw between the inner surface of the treatment member and the outer surface of the jaw.

[0123] The first side edge can be configured so that in the configuration of the clamps moved together, the angle formed between the mid-plane of the device extending between the clamps and the mechanically tensioned hair is less than or equal to 120°, better less than or equal to 110°, and strictly greater than 90°, better greater than or equal to 95°, better equal to 105°±5°, better equal to 105°±3°, in particular when stationary, wherein the mechanically tensioned hair is supported on the first side edge of the respective internal treatment member, in particular the respective internal plate, and on the outer surface of the clamps supporting the respective internal treatment member, which outer surface is adjacent to and separated from the respective internal treatment member, in particular the respective internal plate.

[0124] When the internal treatment member or at least one internal treatment member, in particular the support or at least one support, is capable of translating within the shell along an axis perpendicular to a mid-plane of the device (which mid-plane extends between the two clamps in a configuration in which the two clamps are moved together) and / or by tilting within the shell, the device can be configured so that, regardless of the position of the internal treatment member within the shell, the angle of the hair under mechanical tension supported on the first side edge of the corresponding internal treatment member and on the outer surface of the clamp supporting the corresponding internal treatment member, adjacent to and separated from the corresponding internal treatment member, is observed.

[0125] The angle formed between the median plane of the device (which extends between the clamps in their configuration moved together) and the mechanically tensioned hair (which is supported on the first side edge of the respective internal treatment member and on the outer surface of the clamps supporting said respective internal treatment member, adjacent to and separated from said respective internal treatment member) is designed to ensure optimal curling and root access in all use configurations of the device, even in the event of translation of the internal treatment member or at least one internal treatment member, in particular the support or at least one support.

[0126] The outer surface may be offset from the inner treatment member by a non-zero distance when the device is viewed along its longitudinal axis.

[0127] The first side edge may extend such that it forms a protruding lateral relief.

[0128] The expression "mechanically tensioned hair" is understood to mean that the hair extends along a straight line between the first side edge and the adjacent outer surface of the clamps supporting the respective internal treatment member. In other words, the aforementioned angle is thus defined between a median plane defined between the clamps in their configuration moved together and a virtual plane in contact with the first side edge on the one hand and with the adjacent outer surface of the same clamps on the other hand. This mechanical tensioning is achieved in particular by clamping with the internal treatment member and by movement of the device along the strand of hair.

[0129] This angle with the outer surface of the clamp makes it possible to form a curl well during the curling process, by supporting the hair on the first side edge and the adjacent outer surface of the clamp, in particular like the loop formed by running a razor blade through a gift ribbon. Moreover, by such an angle, the first side edge is relatively close to the outer surface of the clamp, but does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the clamp. This makes it possible, in particular during the straightening of hair, to bring the first side edge close to the scalp, thereby increasing the portion of hair that is treated, without contacting the scalp. Thus, this allows treatment to be performed as close to the roots of the hair as possible, while maintaining the comfort of the user, regardless of the temperature of the inner surface.

[0130] The first and second side edges of the or each inner treatment member may each extend along a longitudinal axis of the clamp supporting the respective inner surface.

[0131] The first side edge may be closer to the outer surface of the clamp adjacent to the inner treatment member than the second side edge is to the outer surface of the clamp adjacent to the inner treatment member. In other words, the or each inner treatment member may be laterally offset upstream or downstream, preferably downstream, with the hair moving from upstream to downstream during treatment.

[0132] In the moved-together configuration of the jaws, the two internal processing members may have the same space requirement in a mid-plane of the device extending between the two jaws.

[0133] Each internal panel or at least one internal panel may protrude laterally from the housing at the first side edge by a distance greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 0.8 mm, and / or less than or equal to 2 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 1.3 mm. For example, each internal panel or at least one internal panel may protrude laterally from the housing at the first side edge by a distance of 1 mm.

[0134] Each or at least one inner panel may project laterally from the above-mentioned support at the first side edge by a distance greater than or equal to 1 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, and / or less than or equal to 3 mm, better less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0135] The support of the or each internal processing member can extend towards the other clamp when stationary, especially the height when stationary is between 1mm and 8mm, preferably between 2mm and 5mm, especially greater than or equal to the maximum height of tilting and / or translation.

[0136] The internal treatment member supported by the support may be spaced more than 4 mm from the opening of the housing of the support towards the other arm.

[0137] The term "stationary" should be understood to refer to the spaced-apart configuration of the clamps.

[0138] Preferably, at least one or each internal processing member, in particular at least one or each internal plate, is asymmetric with respect to a middle plane of the shell of the corresponding clamp (which middle plane is perpendicular to the middle plane of the device extending between the clamps in the configuration in which the clamps are moved together), and in particular the lateral distance between the first side edge and the lateral middle plane of the shell can be greater than the lateral distance between the second side edge and the lateral middle plane of the shell.

[0139] When stationary, at least one or each internal processing component, in particular at least one or each internal plate, can be spaced apart from a plane adjacent to and separated from the corresponding internal processing component laterally located on the outer surfaces of the two clamps, and the distance is less than or equal to 6 mm, and better less than or equal to 5.5 mm.

[0140] The first side edge of the or each inner treatment member is preferably located on the opposite side of the inner treatment member to the recess. The first side edge of the or at least one inner treatment member, in particular the inner plate or one of the inner plates, may have an edge corner configured to contact the tensioned hair supported on the first side edge and the adjacent outer surface of the clamp supporting the inner treatment member. The edge corner may be protruding, chamfered or rounded with a radius of curvature less than or equal to 3 mm, preferably less than or equal to 2 mm, advantageously equal to 1.5 mm. Such an edge corner makes it easier to curl or wave the hair and allows a good shaping, in particular a curling effect, to be achieved.

[0141] Additional processing components

[0142] The device may have an additional hair treatment member which, in the moved together configuration of the two clamps, extends from one of the two clamps towards the other clamp and is arranged on the clamps laterally relative to the inner treatment member in the moved together configuration of the clamps.

[0143] In addition to the above-mentioned external treatment member(s), the outer surface of the clamp may be free of any additional treatment members.

[0144] The additional treatment member makes it possible to add an additional treatment to the straightening or curling to improve the quality of the curling or straightening treatment. The fact that it is arranged laterally with respect to the inner plate allows the treatment of the inner plate and the treatment member not to be carried out simultaneously but in succession, which is particularly advantageous for improving straightening.

[0145] Preferably, the additional hair treatment member extends on the clamp opposite to the clamp bearing the recess. It may extend at least partially in the portion of the clamp facing the lateral recess.

[0146] The additional treatment member may have a protruding element, in particular a comb, which extends at least partially from one jaw in the direction of the other jaw. When the device is in the moved-together configuration of the jaws, the protruding element may be accommodated in the recess at least partially, in particular at least at its end. This makes it possible to obtain a particularly compact device while improving the styling effect and the ergonomics of the appliance, as will be described in detail below. The additional treatment member may extend along the or each internal heating surface in the moved-together configuration of the jaws, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective jaw, separate from the internal heating surface.

[0147] The term "separated" is understood to mean that the treatment member is offset from the heating surface by a non-zero distance when the device is viewed along its longitudinal axis.

[0148] The additional treatment element can have at least one steam outlet and / or a cosmetic product application element and / or an element for exerting a tensile force on the hair, in particular a comb.

[0149] When the additional treatment member has a cosmetic product application member, the cosmetic product application member may have a porous member impregnated with a cosmetic composition, in particular supplied with the product through a reservoir in contact with the porous member or by means of a dispensing mechanism actuated automatically or manually when the device is used. The cosmetic product application member may be a refill removably mounted on the device.

[0150] The cosmetic composition may be a composition for cleaning, dyeing, bleaching, conditioning or shaping the hair. Preferably, the use of the device involves applying at least one composition for styling the hair. Such a composition for styling the hair may be a composition for curling, shaping, relaxing or straightening the hair, preferably a composition for relaxing or straightening the hair.

[0151] The cosmetic composition may comprise at least one active agent selected from reducing agents, in particular thiols, oxidizing agents, in particular hydrogen peroxide or persulfates (e.g. persulfates), colorants, in particular pigments, direct dyes or oxidation dyes. The cosmetic composition may also comprise at least one active agent selected from temporary shaping agents, in particular styling polymers, preferably anionic, amphoteric or nonionic, conditioning agents, in particular silicones, mineral or vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, cationic surfactants and cationic polymers, alkaline agents and acids.

[0152] Preferably, the cosmetic composition comprises at least one agent chosen from oxidizing agents, reducing agents, or alkaline agents of the hydroxide type.

[0153] Preferably, the additional treatment member has at least one steam outlet, in particular a row of longitudinal steam outlets, or an elongated steam outlet, in particular in the form of a slot, along the longitudinal axis. The steam outlet preferably extends on a clamp without a recess. The steam outlet preferably faces an inner surface of another clamp separated from the internal heating surface. The inner surface facing the steam outlet may have a steam-receiving hollow or groove facing the steam outlet. Alternatively or additionally, the steam outlet may extend in a hollow or groove in the clamp supporting them.

[0154] Preferably, the additional treatment member has a comb. The comb preferably extends on the clamp without the lateral recess and from the clamp in the direction of the other clamp. Preferably, the comb extends at least partially facing the lateral recess in the moved-together configuration of the clamps.

[0155] The comb can improve the distribution of the hair on the device for treatment by means of the inner and / or outer surface, thereby improving in particular the distribution of heat on the hair and the uniformity of the treatment of the hair.

[0156] The comb may be arranged on the respective clamps so that in the moved-together configuration of the clamps the distal ends of its teeth are spaced a non-zero distance from the tensioned hair wrapped around the two clamps.

[0157] In the moved-together configuration of the jaws, the distal ends of the teeth of the comb may be spaced apart a non-zero distance from the jaws opposite the jaws supporting the comb.

[0158] The comb may be spaced apart from the inner treatment member by a distance between 5 and 15 mm, preferably between 8 and 9 mm, measured between the edge of the inner treatment member on the comb side, in particular the edge of the inner plate, and the base of the teeth on the inner treatment member side.

[0159] The height of the teeth of the comb may be between 5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 7 mm and 9 mm.

[0160] The comb may be removable, in particular mounted by sliding in a housing, for example a longitudinal groove in the tongs. The comb may be held in the housing by a form fit between the comb base and the longitudinal groove; in particular the comb base may have a relief that cooperates with a complementary relief of the housing. When the comb is mounted on the corresponding tongs, the comb may have a gripping extension that projects from the housing, which makes it easier to remove the comb from and insert it into its housing.

[0161] Preferably, the additional treatment member has a comb as described above and one or more steam outlets as described above, extending between the comb and the inner surface for heating the hair.Such an implantation makes it possible to clearly distinguish the treatment of each element.

[0162] Treatment

[0163] Another subject of the invention is a method for treating hair with the aid of one of the above-described devices. This method may be straightening or curling the hair, or waving the hair. The method for treating hair may involve inserting the hair strand between the two clamps and / or against at least a portion of the external heated surface of the device and moving the device along the hair strand, preferably from the roots to the ends, in particular keeping the device in a configuration in which the clamps are moved together.

[0164] The method may involve moving the device along the lock of hair to subject the lock of hair to at least one heat treatment by being clamped between two clamps and by opposing support surfaces and / or an outer surface of the device against an inner surface.

[0165] The method may also have a step in which the device is rotated about its longitudinal axis to wrap the hair around the one or more external heating surfaces.

[0166] The hair strands entering and leaving the treatment device preferably undergo a change of orientation around the device of greater than or equal to 150°, in particular greater than or equal to 200°, and better still greater than or equal to 250°. The curling angle may be at least 270°.

[0167] The guiding portion of the device may guide the hair strands against the outer plate during heat treatment by the outer heating surface.

[0168] Preferably, the additional treatment member has at least one steam outlet and the step of treating with the additional treatment member comprises a steam application step.

[0169] When the additional treatment member has a comb and one or more steam outlets, the treatment step with the additional treatment member may comprise a step of combing the hair and a step of applying steam, the combing step preferably being performed before the steam application step during movement of the device over the hair strands.

[0170] The method may comprise wrapping the lock of hair around the two clamps in a configuration where the clamps are moved together, particularly when the device has an external heating surface on each clamp.

[0171] The steps of the method are preferably performed successively along the hair strand, in particular from the roots to the ends, in the following order:

[0172] - optional combing and / or steam treatment / internal heat treatment / guiding of the hair / external heat treatment by wrapping around one or two clamps, or

[0173] -Optional combing and / or steam treatment / internal heat treatment / against the inner plate or the first edge of one of the inner plates / external heat treatment by means of an external heating surface of one of the clamps / guiding through a recess / optionally external heat treatment by means of an external heating surface of the other clamp.

[0174] Preferably, the steam application is performed at a steam flow rate less than or equal to 1 g / min.

[0175] The method may comprise thermal protection of the external heating surface to prevent contact with the external heating surface, in particular during hair straightening. This step is in particular carried out by fitting a cover as described above on the or each external heating surface of the device and / or by pivoting the cover about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and parallel to the median plane of the device (which median plane extends between the jaws in the configuration of the device moved together) to remove the cover from the or each external heating surface of the device. The cover may be removed by hand by holding the device at the device handle.

[0176] The method may include applying pressure to the distal ends of the clamps to maintain the clamps in a configuration moved together, thereby applying greater force to the hair in said configuration of the clamps. The method may include fitting an end piece as described above to the distal ends of one or both clamps before applying said pressure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0177] The present invention may be better understood by reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments and examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0178] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of a device according to the invention,

[0179] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the distal end of the device,

[0180] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a device according to the invention,

[0181] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 It is in the area where the components are processed Figure 3 The enlarged picture of

[0182] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the distal end of the device in FIG.

[0183] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The enlarged picture of

[0184] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 Shows Figure 3 A magnified view of the edge of an internal plate of the device,

[0185] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 Shown separately Figure 3 The internal panels and housing of the device,

[0186] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 A perspective view showing an example of a heat protection cover according to the present invention,

[0187] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 A perspective view showing another example of a heat protection cover according to the present invention,

[0188] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 shows a perspective view of the distal end of a device with a heat protection cover according to the invention,

[0189] [ Fig.12 ] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device in FIG.

[0190] [ Fig.13 ] Fig.13 Shows Fig.11 An enlarged perspective view of the device in a shoulder area,

[0191] [ Fig.14 ] Fig.14 Shows Fig.11 an enlarged perspective view of the device in another shoulder area, and

[0192] [ Fig.15 ] Fig.15 A side view showing the assembly of a heat protection cover on a device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0193] In the rest of the description, the same or functionally identical elements have the same reference numerals. For the sake of brevity of this description, not every drawing will be described, but only the differences between the embodiments will be described.

[0194] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a hair treatment device 2 according to the invention is shown.

[0195] The device 2 has two clamps 3 and 4 which can be arranged in a spaced-apart arrangement (not shown) for introducing a strand of hair between the clamps and as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The processing arrangements shown moving together are moved relative to each other.

[0196] The clamps 3 and 4 are respectively carried by an upper arm 5 and a lower arm 6 which, in the example in question, are connected together at one of their ends by a hinge 8 , the device 2 thus forming a clamp.

[0197] The arms 5 and 6 define, between the hinge 8 and the tongs 3 , 4 , respective half-handles 10 and 11 which can be pressed by the user in order to move the tongs 3 and 4 together so as to clamp the hair extending between the two tongs.

[0198] The width of arms 5 and 6 at half-handles 10 and 11 is smaller than at jaws 3 and 4. In a variant, the widths may be substantially the same, or the width of arms 5 and 6 at half-handles 10 and 11 may even be greater than at jaws 3 and 4.

[0199] The clamps 3 and 4 each have a convex outer surface and a substantially flat inner surface.

[0200] A resilient return member (not visible), such as a spring arranged around the pin of the hinge 8 , is preferably provided to return the jaws 3 and 4 to the spaced-apart configuration.

[0201] The invention is not limited to a particular way of connecting the arms 5 and 6 together, and the jaws 3 and 4 may be moved in other ways without departing from the scope of the invention. However, the presence of an articulation is largely preferred because of the ergonomics it provides.

[0202] The device 2 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis X. The device 2 has a line 17 designed to be able to supply the energy required for the operation of the device. Thus, the line 17 may be an electric line designed to connect the device to an electric mains. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the line may also be a fluid line designed to supply a fluid, such as water, to the device.

[0203] The device may have a water reservoir for generating steam.

[0204] A user interface (not shown) may be present on the device 2 to allow a user to control the operation of the device.

[0205] Heating Plate

[0206] The device 2 may have an inner surface 45 for heating the hair to be treated on each of the two clamps 3 and 4, which clamp faces the other clamp, and the clamps 3 and 4 face each other in the configuration of the clamps 3 and 4 moved together, so as to define a heated treatment area between them in the configuration of the two clamps 3 and 4 moved together. For example, the two inner heating surfaces 45 are configured to clamp the hair extending between the two clamps 3 and 4 between them in the configuration of the two clamps 3 and 4 moved together.

[0207] The two internal heating surfaces 45 are substantially planar, but not necessarily so. For example, they may have complementary wavy shapes or complementary curved shapes.

[0208] In the example shown, the internal heating surface is formed by the contact surfaces of internal plates 16 made of thermally conductive material, each internal plate 16 extending over one of the clamps. Each internal plate 16 constitutes an internal processing member of the device.

[0209] In a variant not shown, only one clamp 3 or 4 can bear an inner plate 16 having a heated contact surface facing the counter-bearing surface of the other clamp 3 or 4. This counter-bearing surface can be formed by the body of the clamp or by an element attached to the clamp.

[0210] In the example shown, the internal plates 16 are each mounted in a cavity 30 of a support 9, which is itself mounted in a housing 38 of the respective clamp 3 or 4. The internal plates 16 are each fixedly mounted on a support 9. At least one of the supports 9 is mounted so as to be movable in its housing, as described below. In a variant not shown, the internal plates can be mounted directly in the housing and optionally movable in the respective housing, or they can be mounted on a support, while being movable in the cavity, the support being fixed in the housing.

[0211] At least one support 9 is movable in its housing 38 perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the clamp between a high position spaced apart from the housing bottom and a low position moved together therewith.

[0212] The travel of the support 9 and its inclination advantageously make it possible to position the internal heating surfaces 45 in the closed position of the device so that the hair is substantially evenly and effectively clamped during treatment between the internal heating surfaces, thereby improving the straightening of the hair by the device.

[0213] The support 9 abuts against support means 140 extending in the housing 38 to allow a tilting movement of the support and, in the open position of the arms 5 and 6 , to keep the support 9 in a raised position.

[0214] The support means 140 may have one or more springs 141 extending between the bottom of the housing 38 and the support 9, in particular the springs shown in the figures, or leaf springs fixed in an indentation in the support 9 or in the bottom of the housing 38. In a variant or in addition, the support means may have a protruding relief between the support 9 and the bottom of the housing 38, thereby allowing tilting movements and limiting the travel of the support in the housing. For example, in the example shown, the support means has a ball joint compressed by a spring, as described in patent application FR3011449.

[0215] As mentioned above, the support 9 movable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis may have a peripheral seal 33 which provides a seal between the support 9 and the housing 38 while allowing the support 9 to move in the housing. Such a seal in particular allows the housing to be sealed relative to the steam output by one or more steam outlets, as described below.

[0216] The device 2 has two outer surfaces formed by outer plates 13 for heating the hair to be treated, each of which extends towards the outside of the device 2 on one of the two clamps 3 and 4 in the configuration in which the two clamps 3 and 4 are moved together, in particular on the convex outer surface of the clamp 3 or 4, and on opposite sides of each other on the device 2 in the configuration in which the clamps 3 and 4 are moved together.

[0217] Each external plate 13 is placed on a face of the corresponding clamp 3 and 4 that is opposite to the face that houses the internal plate 16 supported by the same clamp 3 or 4 .

[0218] In the example shown, the outer plate 13 is made of stainless steel and the inner plate 16 is made of aluminum. However, other materials with good thermal conductivity may be used, in particular other metals.

[0219] The outer plate 13 may be a flexible or preformed metal plate to have a convex shape complementary to the outer surfaces of the clamps 3 and 4 .

[0220] The outer panel 13 may be in one piece.

[0221] The outer plate 13 may not have any protruding comb teeth.

[0222] The width of a clamp 3 at the level of the outer plate 13 may be smaller than the width of another clamp 4 at the same level.

[0223] The outer plate 13 may extend laterally over the entire width of the clamps 3 and 4 .

[0224] The side edge of the clamp 3 may extend strictly laterally between the side edges of the other clamp 4 over the entire length of the outer plate 13 , in particular the side edge of the other clamp 4 facing the hollow area of ​​the clamp 3 .

[0225] The outer plate 13 is fixed to the clamp 3 or 4 by any suitable means. For example, the outer plate 13 has longitudinal edges 90 bent inwardly and configured to be fixed each in a groove of the respective clamp 3 or 4 or in a respective lateral housing 91 .

[0226] The outer plate 13 and the inner plate 16 are preferably elongated along the longitudinal axis Y1 or Y2 of each of the clamps 3 and 4 .

[0227] The outer plate 13 and the inner plate 16 at least partially overlap one another along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the device 2 .

[0228] The inner panel 16 extends between the two side edges of the outer panel 13 .

[0229] As shown, the device 2 may have a distal portion at the opposite end of the hinge 8, which is free of a heating plate. The distal portion may be dome-shaped and wide enough to be grasped by hand, especially when the device 2 is in use.

[0230] The inner plate 16 may be heated to a temperature above 50°C, better still between 90°C and 230°C.

[0231] The outer plate 13 may be heated to a temperature above 50°C, better still between 60°C and 100°C.

[0232] In the example shown, the inner plate 16 and the outer plate 13 supported by the same clamp 3 or 4 are formed by extending in the clamp and Figure 3 The single heat source 14 visible in FIG. 1 is heated by heat conduction. However, this need not be the case and the device 2 may in particular have a plurality of heat sources, one each for the inner and outer panels.

[0233] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, each inner plate 16 has a first side edge 31 and a second side edge 36 opposite the first edge 31, the edges 31 and 36 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y1 or Y2 of the corresponding clamp. The inner plate can be offset from the center of the corresponding clamp so that the first edge 31 is closer to the adjacent side edge 100 of the corresponding clamp than the second edge 36 is closer to the adjacent side edge 101 of the corresponding clamp.

[0234] The inner plate 16 may project laterally beyond the housing 38 on both sides of the clamp and have a lateral extension defining a first side edge 31 which is longer in the cross section of the device than a lateral extension defining a second edge 36 .

[0235] like Figure 6As shown, for the clamp 3, the first edge 31 can be configured so that when the spring 141 is not compressed, in the configuration in which the clamps 3 and 4 are moved together, the angle β formed between the middle plane Z of the device 2 extending between the clamps 3 and 4 and the tensioned hair supported on the first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 and on the adjacent outer surface of the clamp 3 or 4 supporting the inner plate (as shown in plane C) is less than or equal to 120° and strictly greater than 90°, better equal to 105°±5°, better equal to 105°±3°, in particular when stationary, for example equal to 105°.

[0236] like Figure 6 As can be seen, the device 1 comprises a groove between the first side edge 31 of the internal plate 16 and said adjacent outer surface of the clamp 3 or 4 supporting the internal plate 16 , this groove extending substantially along the respective longitudinal axis.

[0237] When viewing the device 1 along its longitudinal axis, the adjacent outer surface is offset from the inner plate 16 by a non-zero distance.

[0238] The first side edge 31 extends in such a way that a projecting relief is formed on the clamp 3 or 4 .

[0239] The inner plate 16 may protrude laterally from the housing 38 at the first edge 31 by a width Ls of only 1 mm when at rest.

[0240] like Figure 6 As shown, each internal plate 16 may be spaced apart, at rest, from a plane P situated laterally on the adjacent external surfaces of the two clamps 3 and 4 by a distance Dp less than or equal to 6 mm, better still less than or equal to 5.5 mm.

[0241] The first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 of the clamp 3 may have an edge corner 40 configured to come into contact with mechanically tensioned hair during treatment. The hair is described by a plane C located on the first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 and on the adjacent outer surface of the clamp 3. The edge corner 40 may be rounded with a radius of curvature equal to 1.5 mm.

[0242] The support element 9 can protrude from the clamp 3 or 4 in the direction of the other clamp 3 or 4 by a height H1 of at least 2 mm, for example 4 mm, when at rest.

[0243] This distance makes it possible to avoid contact between the surface of the plate of support 9 protruding beyond the plate and the surface of the clamp facing said surface of the plate and adjacent to housing 38 , during the movement of support 9 in housing 38 by spring 141 .

[0244] like Figure 7As shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 4 , the first edge 31 having the edge corner 40 may have a second planar portion 122 oriented away from the clamp 4 . The portion 122 is parallel to the surface 45 of the inner plate 16 .

[0245] The second portion 122 extends, for example, from the edge corner 40 to a rib 125 of the inner plate 16 , which engages in the seal 33 of the support 9 of the clamp 3 .

[0246] like Figure 8 As shown, each inner plate 16 has a plurality of such ribs 125. For example, the ribs 125 are formed by a bend of the inner plate 16 at its second edge 36.

[0247] The thickness Eb of the first edge 31 of the bearing edge corner 40 is less than the thickness Ep of the inner plate 16 facing away from the respective rib 125 .

[0248] like Figure 8 As shown, each internal plate 16 has a cavity 130 configured to accommodate the heating element 14. The cavity 130 is formed by two parallel walls 131 extending perpendicularly to the surface 45 and a wall 132 connecting the two walls 131.

[0249] For example, Figure 8 As shown, each wall 131 has a relief 135 which helps to retain the internal plate 16 on the support 9 .

[0250] like Figure 8 As shown, unlike the second edge 36 , the first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 of the clamp 4 is not in contact with the support 9 .

[0251] The first edge 31 and the second edge 36 are, for example, laterally offset from each other by a non-zero distance Db.

[0252] The first edge 31 of the inner plate 16 of the clamp 4 may be curved without having a protruding edge corner.

[0253] The second edge 36 of the inner plate 16 of the clamps 3 and 4 does not extend laterally relative to the housing 30 and is bent without having a protruding edge corner.

[0254] The position and shape of the first edge 31, in particular the edge corner 40, allows for improved results during curling, as it increases the bending angle of the hair and creates an effect when passing the edge corner 40 comparable to the effect obtained by passing a gift band with a protruding edge corner at a certain angle.

[0255] Furthermore, the inner plate 16 projects beyond its support 9, with the first edge 31 being closer to the adjacent outer surface 32, which makes it possible to move closer to the roots of the hair to be treated than with prior art devices.

[0256] The radius of curvature of the external plate 13 of the clamp 3 relative to the longitudinal axis Y1 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the external plate 14 of the clamp 4 relative to the longitudinal axis Y2 .

[0257] External guide part

[0258] In the example shown, each clamp 3 and 4 has an external hair guide portion which is delimited longitudinally on both sides thereof by a stop surface 18 formed by a shoulder. The external hair guide portion is defined by an external plate 13, for example.

[0259] The stop surface 18 may comprise a flat portion, in particular in a plane transverse to the clamp, which is particularly flat at the level of said stop surface 18 over a width at least equal to 50%, preferably 80%, better still 100% of the clamp width.

[0260] The shoulder 18 may have a variable height He, varying for example between 0.5 mm on the outer surface of the clamp extending laterally relative to the inner plate 16 and 2 mm on the outer surface of the clamp opposite the inner plate 16 .

[0261] Each shoulder 18 can be formed by a rib defining an outer hair guide portion. Preferably, the rib is thicker on the side opposite to the inner plate 13 than on the side of the inner plate 13.

[0262] Each external guide portion is set back relative to a reference level of the clamp 3 or 4, the reference level being defined as the level of the clamp 3 or 4 away from the shoulder 18. Thus, each guide portion has a visible width l 1 and l 2 ,like Figure 3 As shown, this width is smaller than the rest of the clamp 3 or 4 and is set back from the rest of the clamp 3 or 4.

[0263] The outer plate 13 may extend along the entire length of the outer guide portion.

[0264] One of the tongs has, at the guide part which can correspond, a lateral recess 170 forming a hair guide area. The recess 170 is laterally delimited by stop surfaces in the proximal and distal parts of the tongs delimiting the guide part. These stop surfaces form a guide surface 20 with a greater height at the shoulder, making it possible to hold the hair in the recess 170. The recess 170 extends laterally relative to one tong and faces a part of the other tongs 3 or 4. Thus, a part of the inner surface 16 of the other tongs 3 or 4 extends onto the recess 170, making it possible to have at least a part of an additional treatment member, in particular a comb, extending from the other tongs into the recess 170, as shown below, and providing new treatment possibilities. Preferably, the recess 170 has a uniform depth along the longitudinal axis X of the device, so that the outer surface of the tongs has a substantially cylindrical shape along the recess 170, which means that it has the same cross section along the recess 17.

[0265] Due to the presence of the recess 170, the width l of the clamp supporting the recess at the recess 170 is 1 smaller than the width l of the other clamp facing the recess 170 2 Width l 1 Between 30 mm and 50 mm, for example, equal to 38 mm. Width l 2 Between 40 mm and 60 mm, for example, equal to 47 mm.

[0266] In a variant not shown, the hair guide area may not be a recess, in particular the area of ​​the clamp laterally delimited by one or both guide surfaces in the proximal and / or distal part of the clamp may not be a recess.

[0267] Additional processing components

[0268] In the example shown, the device 2 has an additional hair treatment member 12 which, in the configuration of the two clamps 3 and 4 moved together, extends from the clamp 4 towards the other clamp 3 and is arranged laterally on the clamp 4 relative to the inner plate 16 .

[0269] Additional processing components are present only in the inner part of the clamp 4. Apart from the outer plate 13, the outer part of the clamps 3 and 4 is free of any additional components.

[0270] When viewed along the longitudinal axis X of the device 2 , the member 12 extends longitudinally and parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2 along a second edge 36 of the internal plate 16 of the clamp 4 , opposite the first edge 31 , spaced apart from this internal plate 16 .

[0271] The component 12 may have a steam outlet 21 and a comb 22, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0272] The comb 22 may be removably disposed on a housing (eg Figure 2 Thus, the user can replace or remove the comb 22 as needed.

[0273] The groove 35 may have a rectangular cross section and open outward at the distal end of the clamp 4 .

[0274] The comb 22 may have, at the distal end portion of the device 2 , an element 46 which enables the comb 22 to be gripped when it is introduced into or removed from the recess 35 .

[0275] The comb 22 may extend, for example, along the entire length of the guide portion. In a variant, it may extend only over a portion of the guide portion.

[0276] The steam treatment can be ensured by an evaporation member formed by an element that heats an evaporation chamber 19 supplied with water from a reservoir located in one of the arms of the device or, in a variant, from a remote reservoir. The device can have an electrically driven pump, preferably a peristaltic pump, which draws water from the water reservoir to be delivered to the device 2. This pump is for example as disclosed in publication FR 2 967 018. The evaporation chamber can be made according to the teaching in application EP 2 449 909 A1 or in a different way.

[0277] The evaporation chamber 19 may be arranged on one of the arms, namely on the lower arm 6 in the example in question, and the steam outlet 21 may be arranged on the same arm 6 .

[0278] The steam outlet 21 may be in the form of a strip whose shape is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Y2.

[0279] The strip may have a plurality of orifices for injecting steam, for example between 4 and 10 orifices, preferably 7 orifices, which are preferably evenly distributed along the strip and each having an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the intermediate treatment plane.

[0280] The evaporation member is electric and a temperature sensor is advantageously provided in the evaporation chamber 19. The device is designed to maintain the temperature of the evaporation chamber at a value between 110°C and 130°C.

[0281] The steam generated, which flows out of the outlet 21, is partially contained between the steam outlet 21, the internal heating plate 16 and the other clamp 3, in particular due to Figure 3 The presence of the receiving groove 500 is visible in the hair. Such a partial inclusion improves the application of steam on the hair.

[0282] The comb 22 may be disposed facing the recess 170 of the other arm 5, such as Figure 2As shown, the ends of its teeth are received in the recesses 170 .

[0283] The comb 22 may be arranged on the clamp 4 such that the distal ends 23 of the teeth of the comb are spaced apart a non-zero distance from the hair wrapped around the two clamps 3 and 4 .

[0284] To this end, the comb 22 is configured so that any cross section of the device in the configuration in which the clamps are moved together, for example in Figure 4 In the embodiment, the tangent line T of the two clamps 3 and 4 extending on one side of the device supporting the comb 22 (which can, for example, virtually represent the hair) is at a certain distance from the comb 22.

[0285] The minimum distance Dd between the distal ends 23 of the teeth of the comb 22 and the tangent line T may be greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, better still greater than or equal to 1 mm, for example equal to 3 mm.

[0286] When the user winds the hair around the clamps 3 and 4, in particular when curling, the tensioned hair follows the tangent line T between the two clamps 3 and 4. Therefore, the wound hair does not pass through the comb 22, making the styling operation easier.

[0287] For example, in the configuration in which the jaws 3 and 4 are moved together, the distal ends 23 of the teeth of the comb 22 are laterally offset from the opposing jaw 4, in this case by a distance Dde greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1 mm, at the recess 170. This ensures that the teeth of the comb 22 do not interfere with the jaw 4 at the recess 170.

[0288] The height Hde of the teeth of the comb 22 may be between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 7 mm and 10 mm, for example about 8 mm.

[0289] The teeth of the comb 22 may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0290] In the example shown, the combination of the outer guide portion, the edge corners 40 and the heat from the outer plate 13 produces a high quality hair curl.

[0291] Furthermore, the device 2 can also be operated as a hair straightener without loss of straightening quality, compared to conventional devices that are used only for straightening hair.

[0292] Heat protection cover

[0293] like Figure 3 and Figures 9 to 15 As shown, the device 2 has a heat protection cover 70, for example two heat protection covers, which are made of polyamide and are resistant to temperatures of at least 60°C.

[0294] Each cover 70 is removably mounted on one of the clamps 3 and 4 by clip-fastening so as to completely cover the corresponding outer panel 13 .

[0295] The cover 70 may be symmetrical about the longitudinal mid-plane.

[0296] Each cover 70 may have a recess (also called a notch) 71, which is configured to form a preferential deformation area 72 of the cover 70 when the cover 70 is assembled on the device 2. A recess or notch is understood to be an area with less material than the rest of the cover, thereby forming a mechanical weak point area. This makes it possible to create an elastic, localized and controlled deformation area.

[0297] Each cover 70 may have a curved shape complementary to the corresponding outer panel 13. Thus, the preferential deformation zone is very advantageous here, since it is known that domed covers are intrinsically more rigid than flat covers.

[0298] Each cover 70 has a thickness of, for example, about 1 mm at the longitudinal edges and 1.5 mm at the center.

[0299] Each cover 70 extends along a longitudinal axis W, and the recess 71 has an elongated shape transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cover (for example forming a right angle with the longitudinal axis W).

[0300] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the recess 71 is a through recess and is symmetrical about a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70. The recess 71 extends over at least 70% of the expanded width of the cover 70. This recess ratio achieves a very good compromise between the ease of assembly / removal of the cover and the durability and reliability of the cover. In particular, the cover must not tear due to fatigue after excessive elastic deformation.

[0301] For example, Fig.11 As shown, the recess 71 is straight. In a variant, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the recess 71 has a plurality of bends.

[0302] Each recess 71 may extend on the cover 70 at a distance from one of the longitudinal ends of the cover 70, in particular the distal end 73 of the cover 70, less than or equal to 25% of the length Gc of the cover 70. The length Gc of the cover 70 corresponds to the length of the external treatment surface 13 of the device, and in this respect Gc is between 50 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 80 mm and 100 mm, advantageously about 88 mm. This position achieves a very good compromise between the ease of assembly / removal of the cover and the durability and reliability of the cover 70. In particular, the cover must not tear due to fatigue after excessive elastic deformation.

[0303] Each cover 70 may have a gripping protrusion 75 extending from an outer surface of the cover 70 at a distance from a longitudinal end 74 opposite the longitudinal end 73 that is less than or equal to 25% of the length Gc of the cover 70 .

[0304] Thus, when the cover 70 is mounted on the pliers 3 or 4, the projection 75 is close to the longitudinal end of the cover 70 extending towards the half-handles 10 and 11. This makes it possible to remove the cover 70 in one movement, for example by using one finger of the hand holding the half-handles 10 and 11, thus making the operation easier.

[0305] like Fig. 9 As shown, the protrusion 75 may extend perpendicularly to the cover 70 having a constant thickness and a domed outer surface.

[0306] like Fig.10 As shown, the protrusion 75 may have a dome shape along the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70 .

[0307] like Fig.11 As shown, the protrusion 75 may be in the form of a tongue extending from the outer surface of the cover at a non-right angle, in particular in the form of a wavy tongue.

[0308] Each cover 70 may have a first male relief 77 extending at its two longitudinal ends 73 and 74 and designed to cooperate with a second female relief 80 in the rest of the device 2, these reliefs being Fig.13 and Fig.14 Specifically shown in.

[0309] The first relief 77 may extend parallel to and preferably along the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70 .

[0310] The thickness of each first embossment 77 is smaller than the thickness of the longitudinal end portion 73 or 74 of the cover 70 .

[0311] The second relief 80 may be located in the shoulder 18 on opposite sides of the outer plate 13. Thus, the first relief 77 on the cover extends into the shoulder 18.

[0312] like Fig.15 As shown, the cover 70 is configured to be mounted on the device 2 by cooperation of a first protrusion 77 extending at a longitudinal end 73 of the cover 70 (particularly the end opposite to the protrusion 75) with a complementary second protrusion 80, and by pivoting the cover 70 on the rest of the device 2 about a pivot axis Aa transverse to the middle plane of the cover 70.

[0313] The pivot axis A may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70 and located at a first relief 77 of the cover 70 at the end 73 facing the recess 71 .

[0314] During this operation of installing the cover 70, the area 72 is elastically deformed toward the inside of the cover 70, thereby allowing the first relief 77 on the cover 70 to be slightly displaced toward the protrusion 75 along the longitudinal axis W of the cover 70. This deformation occurs when the user applies longitudinal pressure from the gripping protrusion 75. Due to this movement, the first relief 77 on the gripping protrusion 75 side may not bear against the shoulder 18 during the pivoting process.

[0315] Therefore, when the user applies longitudinal pressure, the longitudinal displacement of the first protrusion 77 on the cover 70 is temporary, which allows the length of the cover to be temporarily reduced, thereby greatly facilitating its insertion into its housing (or removal from the housing), the insertion being advantageously defined by the stop surface 18.

[0316] During the pivoting of the cover 70 , at least a portion of the longitudinal edge 73 adjacent to the first relief 77 bears on the shoulder 18 .

[0317] Once the pivoting is complete, the user releases the longitudinal pressure, when the cover 70 is in contact with the plate 13, so that the zone 72 returns to its initial shape by elasticity. Then, during this release, a first relief 77 on one side of the gripping protrusion 75 engages in a second relief 80 on the shoulder 18, which faced this first relief 77 before the pressure was released.

[0318] The first relief 77 thus positioned within the second relief 80 makes it possible to retain the cover 70 on the clamp 3 or 4 . Furthermore, the edges 73 and 74 are at least partially in contact with the shoulder 18 .

[0319] To remove the cover 70, the reverse operation is performed.

[0320] method

[0321] To curl or straighten hair with the aid of the device 2 , the hair strands may be moved between inner plates 16 on the device 2 and / or by passing over one or more outer plates 13 , with or without passing through the treatment member 12 .

[0322] The hair treatment method for curling may comprise movement of the device 2 along the hair strand from the root to the tip to perform the following successive steps:

[0323] a. treating the hair strands with the member 12 so as to comb the hair in the comb 22 and applying steam through the outlet 21, and

[0324] b. The hair strands are subjected to a first heat treatment by contact between the internal plates 16 of the device 2 .

[0325] c. The lock of hair is subjected to a second heat treatment by applying tension to the outer plates 13 of the clamp 3 .

[0326] Preferably, during treatment the orientation of the hair strand around the device 2 changes by at least 270°.

[0327] At the end of step b. of heat treating the hair between the internal plates 16, the hair strand undergoes a change of orientation of 100° between the first edge 31 and the adjacent outer surface 32 of the clamp 3 around which it is wound.

[0328] At the end of step b of heating the hair on the inner plate 16, the hair moves on the edge corners 40 so that the above-mentioned ribbon effect can be produced.

[0329] Another application of heat can also be performed on the outer plate 13 of the clamp 4 .

[0330] During step c, the hair is correctly received in the outer guiding part thanks to the recess 170 and the shoulder 18 .

[0331] For this crimping method, an end piece 50 can be used in order to better handle the device 2 without the risk of burns.

[0332] In the case of a hair treatment method for straightening, this may comprise movement of the device 2 along the hair strand from root to tip to perform the following successive steps:

[0333] a. treating the hair strands with the member 12 so as to comb the hair in the comb 22, and then applying steam through the outlet 21, and

[0334] b. The hair strands are subjected to a first heat treatment by contact between the internal plates 16 of the device 2 .

[0335] In this method, the user does not need the outer plate 13. Therefore, before performing the straightening method, they can clamp the fastening cover 70 to protect themselves from the heat from the outer plate 13.

[0336] The invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described.

[0337] The device may have a removable or non-removable cosmetic product application member having a porous element configured to contact the hair between the clamps in their moved together configuration.

Claims

1. A device (2) for treating hair, in particular for curling hair, comprising: - two hair treatment tongs (3, 4) movable relative to each other between a spaced-apart configuration for inserting hair to be treated between the tongs (3, 4) and a configuration moved together for treating the hair, an external hair treatment member having at least one outer surface (13) for heating the hair, the external hair treatment member extending on one of the two clamps (3, 4) towards the outside of the two clamps (3, 4), - a heat protection cover (70) which is removably mounted by clamping fastening on the device (2) to at least partially cover the external heating surface (13), the cover (70) having a recess (71) configured to form a preferential deformation area (72) of the cover (70) when the cover is assembled on the device (2).

2. Device (2) according to the preceding claim, said device having two external treatment members, each extending on one of said clamps (3, 4), and each having at least one external hair heating surface (13) extending on the respective clamp (3, 4) towards the outside of said device (2), preferably on opposite sides of said device (2) in the configuration of said clamps (3, 4) moved together, said device (2) having two heat protection covers (70) which are removably mounted on said device (2) and each of which is arranged on one of the two external heating surfaces (13) so as to at least partially cover said external heating surface (13), each cover (70) having a recess (71) which is configured to form a preferential deformation zone (72) of said cover (70) when said cover (70) is assembled on said device (2).

3. The device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein: The or each cover (70) covers the entirety of the respective external heating surface (13) by having a shape complementary to that of the respective external heating surface (13).

4. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (70) extends along a longitudinal axis, and the recess (71) is elongated along a direction forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis (W) of the cover, in particular at right angles to the longitudinal axis (W) of the cover (70).

5. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the cover (70) is mounted on the clamp (3, 4), the cover (70) has a gripping protrusion (75) extending from the outer surface of the cover (70), and the gripping protrusion (75) preferably extends at a distance from one of the longitudinal ends (73, 74) of the cover (70) that is less than or equal to 25% of the length of the cover (70). The cover (70) is preferably configured to be mounted on the clamp (3, 4) so ​​that the gripping protrusion (75) is positioned close to the longitudinal end (74) of the cover (70) extending on the proximal side of the clamp (3, 4).

6. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (70) and the clamp (3, 4) have complementary protrusions (77, 80) for fastening the cover (70) to the clamp (3, 4), and the protrusions (77) for fastening the cover (70) to the clamp (3, 4) preferably extend from the corresponding longitudinal ends (73, 74) of the cover (70) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (W) of the cover (70).

7. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (70) is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal median plane.

8. A device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, said device comprising, on the clamp (3, 4) or each clamp (3, 4), an external hair guide portion, said external hair guide portion being laterally delimited by a stop surface (18) at a proximal and / or distal portion of the clamp (3, 4), said external heating surface (13) or each external heating surface (13) extending, in particular, at least partially, preferably completely, in said external hair guide portion of the respective clamp (3, 4).

9. The device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cover (70) has a preferably variable thickness between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.5 mm, in particular the cross section of the cover (70) is thicker in the center than at its longitudinal edges.

10. A device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one internal treatment member having an inner surface (45) for heating the hair to be treated, the internal treatment member extending from one of the two clamps (3, 4) towards the other of the clamps (3, 4) in the configuration in which the two clamps (3, 4) are moved together and being configured to come into contact with the hair extending between the two clamps (3, 4) in the configuration in which the two clamps (3, 4) are moved together.

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